Shakira is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that’s quickly sneaking up on fans.
Not only is the Colombian artist at the helm of the official FIFA World Cup song this year, but she will make history as coheadliner of the first-ever World Cup final halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
“Every World Cup is really magical,” she said in a cover story with People. “I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically.”
In May, Shakira teamed up with Nigerian star Burna Boy to deliver this year’s World Cup anthem called “Dai Dai”; it blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, world beats and reggaetón, and sends an uplifting message that’s true to the spirit of the sport. Additionally, 100 percent of the song’s royalties will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which provides education and soccer resources to children around the world.
She told People: “It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big. And to remind us that every champion started out as a kid who perhaps went through hardship and struggles, but there was someone that believed in them, and that’s why they didn’t give up.”
“Dai Dai” marks the second time the Latin superstar has been tapped for an official FIFA World Cup song following the timeless “Waka, Waka (This Time for Africa)” recorded for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The hit peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts in July 2010, and reached a No. 38 high on the Billboard Hot 100 during the same period. It also spent 42 weeks at No. 1 on Latin Digital Song Sales, Shak’s longest-leading title on that chart.
She added of the global sport: “I have this connection with [soccer] that seems unbreakable.”
